Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof is provided. The mobile terminal includes a display having at least one screen and operating in either a first mode or a second mode and a controller detecting a command to turn off the display, controlling the display to activate a first region of a screen, deactivate a second region of the screen and display information related to an application on the activated first region in response to the command when the display is operated in the first mode, the information including at least first information related to a parameter of a function performed by the application or second information related to progress of the function and control the display to deactivate the entire screen in response to the command when the display is operated in the second mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/426,821, filed on Feb. 7, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,620,690, whichclaims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority toKorean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0148612, filed on Nov. 9, 2016,the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and controllingmethod thereof.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals orstationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals mayalso be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminalsaccording to whether or not a user can directly carry the terminal.

Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples ofsuch functions include data and voice communications, capturing imagesand video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via aspeaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Somemobile terminals include additional functionality which supports gameplaying, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players.More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receivebroadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such asvideos and television programs.

Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobileterminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, aswell as changes and improvements in the structural components.

Meanwhile, according to the related art, although the display 151 isturned off in response to a display-off command in Always-on-Displaymode, a partial region of the display unit 151 can be activated. And,preset information can be displayed on the activated partial region.

However, according to the related art, the information displayed on theactivated partial region is considerably limited. Hence, it is a problemthat a user has difficulty in obtaining user-desired information in astatus that a display unit is turned off.

Thus, the demand for developing a mobile terminal and controlling methodthereof, by which the above problem of the related art mobile terminalcan be solved, is increasingly rising.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to amobile terminal and controlling method thereof that substantiallyobviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of therelated art.

One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal andcontrolling method thereof, by which information of a specificapplication can be displayed on a partial region activated in responseto a display-off command while a display unit is operating inAlways-on-Display mode.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminaland controlling method thereof, by which brightness of a partial regionactivated in response to a display-off command can be changed accordingto ambient illumination intensity while a display unit is operating inAlways-on-Display mode.

Technical tasks obtainable from the present invention are non-limited bythe above-mentioned technical tasks. And, other unmentioned technicaltasks can be clearly understood from the following description by thosehaving ordinary skill in the technical field to which the presentinvention pertains.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in the disclosure herein as well as the accompanying drawings.Such aspects may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art basedon the disclosure herein.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, amobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a display comprising at least one screen and configured tooperate in either a first mode or a second mode and a controller,characterized in that the controller is further configured to detect acommand to turn off the display, control the display to activate a firstregion of a screen, deactivate a second region of the at least onescreen and display information related to an application on theactivated first region in response to the command when the display isoperated in the first mode, wherein the information comprises at leastfirst information related to a parameter of a function performed by theapplication or second information related to progress of the functionand control the display to deactivate the entire at least one screen inresponse to the command when the display is operated in the second mode.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by illustration only, since various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

A mobile terminal and method for controlling the same according to thepresent invention provide the following effects and/or features.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, while a displayunit is operating in Always-on-Display mode, since information of aspecific application is displayed on a partial region activated inresponse to a display-off command, a user can advantageously obtaininformation desired by the user without turning on the display unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, while adisplay unit is operating in Always-on-Display mode, brightness of apartial region activated in response to a display-off command can beadvantageously changed according to ambient illumination intensity.

Effects obtainable from the present invention may be non-limited by theabove mentioned effect. And, other unmentioned effects can be clearlyunderstood from the following description by those having ordinary skillin the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings,which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of thepresent invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal according toan alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual view of a wearable mobile terminal according toanother alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view of a wearable mobile terminal according toanother alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams of states of a mobile terminal accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams to describe examples of anAlways-on-Display mode;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart to describe one example of a method of providinginformation of a specific application to an activated partial region inAlways-on-Display mode in a mobile terminal according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 10 to 16 are diagrams to describe examples of a method ofproviding information of a specific application through a display unitin Always-on-Display mode according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams to describe examples that a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with adisplay unit including a main screen and an auxiliary screen;

FIGS. 20 to 22 are diagrams to describe examples of a method of applyingan Always-on-Display mode in that a mobile terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention is provided with a display unitincluding a main screen and an auxiliary screen;

FIG. 23 is a diagram to describe one example of a method of adjustingbrightness of a partial region of an activated display unit according toambient illumination intensity in Always-on-Display mode in a mobileterminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a diagram to describe one example of a method of displayingpreset video related to a partial region of an activated display unitaccording to an impact applied to a mobile terminal in Always-on-Displaymode in the mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a diagram to describe another example of a method ofdisplaying a preset video related to a partial region of an activateddisplay unit according to an impact applied to a mobile terminal inAlways-on-Display mode in the mobile terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart to describe one example that a running screen ofa specific application is displayed related to an activated regionaccording to a set event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram to describe one example that a running screen of aspecific application is displayed related to an activated regionaccording to a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobileterminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a diagram to describe another example that a running screenof a specific application is displayed on an activated region accordingto a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram to describe further example that a running screenof a specific application is displayed on an activated region accordingto a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 30 is a diagram to describe another further example that a runningscreen of a specific application is displayed on an activated regionaccording to a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobileterminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Ingeneral, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer toelements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intendedto facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself isnot intended to give any special meaning or function. In the presentdisclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. Theaccompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be connected with theother element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with”another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context. Terms suchas “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that theyare intended to indicate an existence of several components, functionsor steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood thatgreater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise beutilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown havingwireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonlyimplemented components.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks. To facilitate such communications, the wireless communicationunit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, amobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, ashort-range communication module 114, and a location information module115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142.

If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionallyinclude other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154.

The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or anintegrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touchscreen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between themobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as the user inputunit 123 which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) related to themobile terminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 processes signals, data,information and the like inputted or outputted through theabove-mentioned components and/or runs application programs saved in thememory 170, thereby processing or providing a user with appropriateinformation and/or functions.

The controller 180 may provide or process information or functionsappropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and thelike, which are input or output by the various components depicted inFIG. 1A, or activating application programs stored in the memory 170. Asone example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according to the execution of an applicationprogram that have been stored in the memory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

At least one portion of the respective components mentioned in theforegoing description can cooperatively operate to embody operations,controls or controlling methods of the mobile terminal according tovarious embodiments of the present invention mentioned in the followingdescription. Moreover, the operations, controls or controlling methodsof the mobile terminal can be embodied in the mobile terminal by runningat least one or more application programs saved in the memory 170.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The broadcast managing entity may be implemented using a server orsystem which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information, or a server which receives a pre-generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends suchitems to the mobile terminal. The broadcast signal may be implementedusing any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a databroadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcastsignal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety oftechnical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO), International ElectrotechnicalCommission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and receptionof digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module 111 canreceive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for thetransmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include informationassociated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcastevent, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcastassociated information may also be provided via a mobile communicationnetwork, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in variousformats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include anElectronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld(DVB-H), and the like. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associatedinformation received via the broadcast receiving module 111 may bestored in a suitable device, such as a memory 170.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA(HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A(Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like). Examples of wireless signalstransmitted and/or received via the mobile communication module 112include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or variousformats of data to support communication of text and multimediamessages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA(High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A(Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wireless Internetmodule 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or more of suchwireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button locatedrelated to a front and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobileterminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like),or a touch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, thetouch-sensitive input may be a virtual key or a soft key, which isdisplayed related to a touch screen through software processing, or atouch key which is located on the mobile terminal at a location that isother than the touch screen. On the other hand, the virtual key or thevisual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, forexample, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based related to a currentoperating state of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executedapplication program, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image may include a left image (e.g., aleft eye image) and a right image (e.g., a right eye image). Accordingto how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image,a 3D stereoscopic imaging method can be divided into a top-down methodin which left and right images are located up and down in a frame, anL-to-R (left-to-right or side by side) method in which left and rightimages are located left and right in a frame, a checker board method inwhich fragments of left and right images are located in a tile form, aninterlaced method in which left and right images are alternately locatedby columns or rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method inwhich left and right images are alternately displayed on a time basis.

Also, for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a right imagethumbnail can be generated from a left image and a right image of anoriginal image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate asingle 3D thumbnail image. In general, the term “thumbnail” may be usedto refer to a reduced image or a reduced still image. A generated leftimage thumbnail and right image thumbnail may be displayed with ahorizontal distance difference there between by a depth corresponding tothe disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen,thereby providing a stereoscopic space sense.

A left image and a right image required for implementing a 3Dstereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unitusing a stereoscopic processing unit. The stereoscopic processing unitcan receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image,or can receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a rightimage.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provides internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 10, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with the display unit 151, thefirst audio output unit 152 a, the second audio output unit 1521 b, theproximity sensor 141, the illumination sensor 142, the optical outputunit 154, the first camera 121 a, the second camera 1211 b, the firstmanipulating unit 123 a, the second manipulating unit 1231 b, themicrophone 122, the interface unit 160, and the like.

FIGS. 1B and 10 depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangementsare possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 1521 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 1521 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 10, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 1211 b,the flash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless mannerusing a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented bymagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, it is able to displayinformation processed by the mobile terminal using a flexible display.This is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawingsas follows.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this figure,mobile terminal 200 is shown having display unit 251, which is a type ofdisplay that is deformable by an external force. This deformation, whichincludes display unit 251 and other components of mobile terminal 200,may include any of curving, bending, folding, twisting, rolling, andcombinations thereof. The deformable display unit 251 may also bereferred to as a “flexible display unit.” In some implementations, theflexible display unit 251 may include a general flexible display,electronic paper (also known as e-paper), and combinations thereof. Ingeneral, mobile terminal 200 may be configured to include features thatare the same or similar to that of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The flexible display of mobile terminal 200 is generally formed as alightweight, non-fragile display, which still exhibits characteristicsof a conventional flat panel display, but is instead fabricated on aflexible substrate which can be deformed as noted previously.

The term e-paper may be used to refer to a display technology employingthe characteristic of a general ink, and is different from theconventional flat panel display in view of using reflected light.E-paper is generally understood as changing displayed information usinga twist ball or via electrophoresis using a capsule.

When in a state that the flexible display unit 251 is not deformed (forexample, in a state with an infinite radius of curvature and referred toas a first state), a display region of the flexible display unit 251includes a generally flat surface. When in a state that the flexibledisplay unit 251 is deformed from the first state by an external force(for example, a state with a finite radius of curvature and referred toas a second state), the display region may become a curved surface or abent surface. As illustrated, information displayed in the second statemay be visual information output on the curved surface. The visualinformation may be realized in such a manner that a light emission ofeach unit pixel (sub-pixel) arranged in a matrix configuration iscontrolled independently. The unit pixel denotes an elementary unit forrepresenting one color.

According to one alternative embodiment, the first state of the flexibledisplay unit 251 may be a curved state (for example, a state of beingcurved from up to down or from right to left), instead of being in flatstate. In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to theflexible display unit 251, the flexible display unit 251 may transitionto the second state such that the flexible display unit is deformed intothe flat state (or a less curved state) or into a more curved state.

If desired, the flexible display unit 251 may implement a flexible touchscreen using a touch sensor in combination with the display. When atouch is received at the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 canexecute certain control corresponding to the touch input. In general,the flexible touch screen is configured to sense touch and other inputwhile in both the first and second states.

One option is to configure the mobile terminal 200 to include adeformation sensor which senses the deforming of the flexible displayunit 251. The deformation sensor may be included in the sensing unit140.

The deformation sensor may be located in the flexible display unit 251or the case 201 to sense information related to the deforming of theflexible display unit 251. Examples of such information related to thedeforming of the flexible display unit 251 may be a deformed direction,a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed amount of time, arate at which the deformed flexible display unit 251 is restored, andthe like. Other possibilities include most any type of information whichcan be sensed in response to the curving of the flexible display unit orsensed while the flexible display unit 251 is transitioning into, orexisting in, the first and second states.

In some embodiments, controller 180 or other component can changeinformation displayed on the flexible display unit 251, or generate acontrol signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal 200,based on the information related to the deforming of the flexibledisplay unit 251. Such information is typically sensed by thedeformation sensor.

The mobile terminal 200 is shown having a case 201 for accommodating theflexible display unit 251. The case 201 can be deformable together withthe flexible display unit 251, taking into account the characteristicsof the flexible display unit 251.

A battery (not shown in this figure) located in the mobile terminal 200may also be deformable in cooperation with the flexible display unit261, taking into account the characteristic of the flexible display unit251. One technique to implement such a battery is to use a stack andfolding method of stacking battery cells.

The deformation of the flexible display unit 251 not limited to performby an external force. For example, the flexible display unit 251 can bedeformed into the second state from the first state by a user command,application command, or the like.

In accordance with still further embodiments, a mobile terminal may beconfigured as a device which is wearable on a human body. Such devicesgo beyond the usual technique of a user grasping the mobile terminalusing their hand. Examples of the wearable device include a smart watch,a smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), and the like.

A typical wearable device can exchange data with (or cooperate with)another mobile terminal 100. In such a device, the wearable devicegenerally has functionality that is less than the cooperating mobileterminal. For instance, the short-range communication module 114 of amobile terminal 100 may sense or recognize a wearable device that isnear-enough to communicate with the mobile terminal. In addition, whenthe sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated tocommunicate with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 maytransmit data processed in the mobile terminal 100 to the wearabledevice via the short-range communication module 114, for example. Hence,a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the mobileterminal 100 on the wearable device. For example, when a call isreceived in the mobile terminal 100, the user can answer the call usingthe wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobileterminal 100, the user can check the received message using the wearabledevice.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one example of a watch-typemobile terminal 300 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the watch-type mobile terminal 300 includes amain body 301 with a display unit 351 and a band 302 connected to themain body 301 to be wearable on a wrist. In general, mobile terminal 300may be configured to include features that are the same or similar tothat of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The main body 301 may include a case having a certain appearance. Asillustrated, the case may include a first case 301 a and a second case301 b cooperatively defining an inner space for accommodating variouselectronic components. Other configurations are possible. For instance,a single case may alternatively be implemented, with such a case beingconfigured to define the inner space, thereby implementing a mobileterminal 300 with a uni-body.

The watch-type mobile terminal 300 can perform wireless communication,and an antenna for the wireless communication can be installed in themain body 301. The antenna may extend its function using the case. Forexample, a case including a conductive material may be electricallyconnected to the antenna to extend a ground area or a radiation area.

The display unit 351 is shown located at the front side of the main body301 so that displayed information is viewable to a user. In someembodiments, the display unit 351 includes a touch sensor so that thedisplay unit can function as a touch screen. As illustrated, window 351a is positioned on the first case 301 a to form a front surface of theterminal body together with the first case 301 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes audio output module 352, a camera321, a microphone 322, and a user input unit 323 positioned on the mainbody 301. When the display unit 351 is implemented as a touch screen,additional function keys may be minimized or eliminated. For example,when the touch screen is implemented, the user input unit 323 may beomitted.

The band 302 is commonly worn on the user's wrist and may be made of aflexible material for facilitating wearing of the device. As oneexample, the band 302 may be made of fur, rubber, silicon, syntheticresin, or the like. The band 302 may also be configured to be detachablefrom the main body 301. Accordingly, the band 302 may be replaceablewith various types of bands according to a user's preference.

In one configuration, the band 302 may be used for extending theperformance of the antenna. For example, the band may include therein aground extending portion (not shown) electrically connected to theantenna to extend a ground area.

The band 302 may include fastener 302 a. The fastener 302 a may beimplemented into a buckle type, a snap-fit hook structure, a Velcro®type, or the like, and include a flexible section or material. Thedrawing illustrates an example that the fastener 302 a is implementedusing a buckle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one example of a glass-typemobile terminal 400 according to another exemplary embodiment. Theglass-type mobile terminal 400 can be wearable on a head of a human bodyand provided with a frame (case, housing, etc.) therefor. The frame maybe made of a flexible material to be easily worn. The frame of mobileterminal 400 is shown having a first frame 401 and a second frame 402,which can be made of the same or different materials. In general, mobileterminal 400 may be configured to include features that are the same orsimilar to that of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The frame may be supported on the head and defines a space for mountingvarious components. As illustrated, electronic components, such as acontrol module 480, an audio output module 452, and the like, may bemounted to the frame part. Also, a lens 403 for covering either or bothof the left and right eyes may be detachably coupled to the frame part.

The control module 480 controls various electronic components disposedin the mobile terminal 400. The control module 480 may be understood asa component corresponding to the aforementioned controller 180. FIG. 4illustrates that the control module 480 is installed in the frame parton one side of the head, but other locations are possible.

The display unit 451 may be implemented as a head mounted display (HMD).The HMD refers to display techniques by which a display is mounted to ahead to show an image directly in front of a user's eyes. In order toprovide an image directly in front of the user's eyes when the userwears the glass-type mobile terminal 400, the display unit 451 may belocated to correspond to either or both of the left and right eyes. FIG.4 illustrates that the display unit 451 is located on a portioncorresponding to the right eye to output an image viewable by the user'sright eye.

The display unit 451 may project an image into the user's eye using aprism. Also, the prism may be formed from optically transparent materialsuch that the user can view both the projected image and a generalvisual field (a range that the user views through the eyes) in front ofthe user.

In such a manner, the image output through the display unit 451 may beviewed while overlapping with the general visual field. The mobileterminal 400 may provide an augmented reality (AR) by overlaying avirtual image on a realistic image or background using the display.

The camera 421 may be located adjacent to either or both of the left andright eyes to capture an image. Since the camera 421 is located adjacentto the eye, the camera 421 can acquire a scene that the user iscurrently viewing. The camera 421 may be positioned at most any locationof the mobile terminal. In some embodiments, multiple cameras 421 may beutilized. Such multiple cameras 421 may be used to acquire astereoscopic image.

The glass-type mobile terminal 400 may include user input units 423 aand 4231 b, which can each be manipulated by the user to provide aninput. The user input units 423 a and 423 b may employ techniques whichpermit input via a tactile input. Typical tactile inputs include atouch, push, or the like. The user input units 423 a and 423 b are shownoperable in a pushing manner and a touching manner as they are locatedon the frame part and the control module 480, respectively.

If desired, mobile terminal 400 may include a microphone which processesinput sound into electric audio data, and an audio output module 452 foroutputting audio. The audio output module 452 may be configured toproduce audio in a general audio output manner or an osteoconductivemanner. When the audio output module 452 is implemented in theosteoconductive manner, the audio output module 452 may be closelyadhered to the head when the user wears the mobile terminal 400 andvibrate the user's skull to transfer sounds.

A communication system which is operable with the variously describedmobile terminals will now be described in more detail. Such acommunication system may be configured to utilize any of a variety ofdifferent air interfaces and/or physical layers. Examples of such airinterfaces utilized by the communication system include FrequencyDivision Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA),Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) (including, Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A(Long Term Evolution-Advanced)), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), and the like.

By way of a non-limiting example only, further description will relateto a CDMA communication system, but such teachings apply equally toother system types including a CDMA wireless communication system aswell as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) wirelesscommunication system. A CDMA wireless communication system generallyincludes one or more mobile terminals (MT or User Equipment, UE) 100,one or more base stations (BSs, NodeB, or evolved NodeB), one or morebase station controllers (BSCs), and a mobile switching center (MSC).The MSC is configured to interface with a conventional Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN) and the BSCs. The BSCs are coupled to the basestations via backhaul lines. The backhaul lines may be configured inaccordance with any of several known interfaces including, for example,E1/T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. Hence, theplurality of BSCs can be included in the CDMA wireless communicationsystem.

Each base station may include one or more sectors, each sector having anomni-directional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particular directionradially away from the base station. Alternatively, each sector mayinclude two or more different antennas. Each base station may beconfigured to support a plurality of frequency assignments, with eachfrequency assignment having a particular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5MHz, etc.).

The intersection of sector and frequency assignment may be referred toas a CDMA channel. The base stations may also be referred to as BaseStation Transceiver Subsystems (BTSs). In some cases, the term “basestation” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC, and one or morebase stations. The base stations may also be denoted as “cell sites.”Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station may bereferred to as cell sites.

A broadcasting transmitter (BT) transmits a broadcast signal to themobile terminals 100 operating within the system. The broadcastreceiving module 111 of FIG. 1A is typically configured inside themobile terminal 100 to receive broadcast signals transmitted by the BT.

Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites for locating the position ofthe mobile terminal 100, for example, may cooperate with the CDMAwireless communication system. Useful position information may beobtained with greater or fewer satellites than two satellites. It is tobe appreciated that other types of position detection technology, (i.e.,location technology that may be used in addition to or instead of GPSlocation technology) may alternatively be implemented. If desired, atleast one of the GPS satellites may alternatively or additionally beconfigured to provide satellite DMB transmissions.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, or otherwise identify a position of the mobile terminal. Asan example, the location information module 115 may include a GlobalPosition System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. If desired, thelocation information module 115 may alternatively or additionallyfunction with any of the other modules of the wireless communicationunit 110 to obtain data related to the position of the mobile terminal.

A typical GPS module 115 can measure an accurate time and distance fromthree or more satellites, and accurately calculate a current location ofthe mobile terminal according to trigonometry based on the measured timeand distances. A method of acquiring distance and time information fromthree satellites and performing error correction with a single satellitemay be used. In particular, the GPS module may acquire an accurate timetogether with three-dimensional speed information as well as thelocation of the latitude, longitude and altitude values from thelocation information received from the satellites.

Furthermore, the GPS module can acquire speed information in real timeto calculate a current position. Sometimes, accuracy of a measuredposition may be compromised when the mobile terminal is located in ablind spot of satellite signals, such as being located in an indoorspace. In order to minimize the effect of such blind spots, analternative or supplemental location technique, such as Wi-FiPositioning System (WPS), may be utilized.

The Wi-Fi positioning system (WPS) refers to a location determinationtechnology based on a wireless local area network (WLAN) using Wi-Fi asa technology for tracking the location of the mobile terminal 100. Thistechnology typically includes the use of a Wi-Fi module in the mobileterminal 100 and a wireless access point for communicating with theWi-Fi module.

The Wi-Fi positioning system may include a Wi-Fi location determinationserver, a mobile terminal, a wireless access point (AP) connected to themobile terminal, and a database stored with wireless AP information.

The mobile terminal connected to the wireless AP may transmit a locationinformation request message to the Wi-Fi location determination server.The Wi-Fi location determination server extracts the information of thewireless AP connected to the mobile terminal 100, based on the locationinformation request message (or signal) of the mobile terminal 100. Theinformation of the wireless AP may be transmitted to the Wi-Fi locationdetermination server through the mobile terminal 100, or may betransmitted to the Wi-Fi location determination server from the wirelessAP.

The information of the wireless AP extracted based on the locationinformation request message of the mobile terminal 100 may include oneor more of media access control (MAC) address, service setidentification (SSID), received signal strength indicator (RSSI),reference signal received Power (RSRP), reference signal receivedquality (RSRQ), channel information, privacy, network type, signalstrength, noise strength, and the like.

The Wi-Fi location determination server may receive the information ofthe wireless AP connected to the mobile terminal 100 as described above,and may extract wireless AP information corresponding to the wireless APconnected to the mobile terminal from the pre-established database. Theinformation of any wireless APs stored in the database may beinformation such as MAC address, SSID, RSSI, channel information,privacy, network type, latitude and longitude coordinate, building atwhich the wireless AP is located, floor number, detailed indoor locationinformation (GPS coordinate available), AP owner's address, phonenumber, and the like. In order to remove wireless APs provided using amobile AP or an illegal MAC address during a location determiningprocess, the Wi-Fi location determination server may extract only apredetermined number of wireless AP information in order of high RSSI.

Then, the Wi-Fi location determination server may extract (analyze)location information of the mobile terminal 100 using at least onewireless AP information extracted from the database.

A method for extracting (analyzing) location information of the mobileterminal 100 may include a Cell-ID method, a fingerprint method, atrigonometry method, a landmark method, and the like.

The Cell-ID method is used to determine a position of a wireless APhaving the largest signal strength, among peripheral wireless APinformation collected by a mobile terminal, as a position of the mobileterminal. The Cell-ID method is an implementation that is minimallycomplex, does not require additional costs, and location information canbe rapidly acquired. However, in the Cell-ID method, the precision ofpositioning may fall below a desired threshold when the installationdensity of wireless APs is low.

The fingerprint method is used to collect signal strength information byselecting a reference position from a service area, and to track aposition of a mobile terminal using the signal strength informationtransmitted from the mobile terminal based on the collected information.In order to use the fingerprint method, it is common for thecharacteristics of radio signals to be pre-stored in the form of adatabase.

The trigonometry method is used to calculate a position of a mobileterminal based on a distance between coordinates of at least threewireless APs and the mobile terminal. In order to measure the distancebetween the mobile terminal and the wireless APs, signal strength may beconverted into distance information, Time of Arrival (ToA), TimeDifference of Arrival (TDoA), Angle of Arrival (AoA), or the like may betaken for transmitted wireless signals.

The landmark method is used to measure a position of a mobile terminalusing a known landmark transmitter.

In addition to these position location methods, various algorithms maybe used to extract (analyze) location information of a mobile terminal.Such extracted location information may be transmitted to the mobileterminal 100 through the Wi-Fi location determination server, therebyacquiring location information of the mobile terminal 100.

The mobile terminal 100 can acquire location information by beingconnected to at least one wireless AP. The number of wireless APsrequired to acquire location information of the mobile terminal 100 maybe variously changed according to a wireless communication environmentwithin which the mobile terminal 100 is positioned.

As previously described with regard to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal maybe configured to include short-range communication techniques such asBluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near FieldCommunication (NFC), Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like.

A typical NFC module provided at the mobile terminal supportsshort-range wireless communication, which is a non-contactable type ofcommunication between mobile terminals and generally occurs within about10 cm. The NFC module may operate in one of a card mode, a reader mode,or a P2P mode. The mobile terminal 100 may further include a securitymodule for storing card information, in order to operate the NFC modulein a card mode. The security module may be a physical medium such asUniversal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) (e.g., a SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM) or Universal SIM (USIM)), a secure micro SDand a sticker, or a logical medium (e.g., embedded Secure Element (SE))embedded in the mobile terminal. Single Wire Protocol (SWP)-based dataexchange may be performed between the NFC module and the securitymodule.

In a case where the NFC module operates in a card mode, the mobileterminal may transmit card information on a general IC card to theoutside. More specifically, if a mobile terminal having card informationon a payment card (e. g, a credit card or a bus card) approaches a cardreader, a short-range mobile payment may be executed. As anotherexample, if a mobile terminal which stores card information related toan entrance card approaches an entrance card reader, an entranceapproval procedure may start. A card such as a credit card, a trafficcard, or an entrance card may be included in the security module in theform of applet, and the security module may store card information onthe card mounted therein. Card information related to a payment card mayinclude any of a card number, a remaining amount and usage history, andthe like. Card information of an entrance card may include any of auser's name, a user's number (e.g., undergraduate number or staffnumber), an entrance history, and the like.

When the NFC module operates in a reader mode, the mobile terminal canread data from an external tag. The data received from the external tagby the mobile terminal may be coded into the NFC Data Exchange Formatdefined by the NFC Forum. The NFC Forum generally defines four recordtypes. More specifically, the NFC Forum defines four Record TypeDefinitions (RTDs) such as smart poster, text, Uniform ResourceIdentifier (URI), and general control. If the data received from theexternal tag is a smart poster type, the controller may execute abrowser (e.g., Internet browser). If the data received from the externaltag is a text type, the controller may execute a text viewer. If thedata received from the external tag is a URI type, the controller mayexecute a browser or originate a call. If the data received from theexternal tag is a general control type, the controller may execute aproper operation according to control content.

In some cases in which the NFC module operates in a P2P (Peer-to-Peer)mode, the mobile terminal can execute P2P communication with anothermobile terminal. In this case, Logical Link Control Protocol (LLCP) maybe applied to the P2P communication. For P2P communication, connectionmay be generated between the mobile terminal and another mobileterminal. This connection may be categorized as a connectionless modewhich ends after one packet is switched, and a connection-oriented modein which packets are switched consecutively. For a typical P2Pcommunication, data such as an electronic type name card, addressinformation, a digital photo and a URL, a setup parameter for Bluetoothconnection, Wi-Fi connection, etc. may be switched. The P2P mode can beeffectively utilized in switching data of a small capacity, because anavailable distance for NFC communication is relatively short.

Further preferred embodiments will be described in more detail withreference to additional drawing figures. It is understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present features can be embodied in severalforms without departing from the characteristics thereof.

By taking the former mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1A as an exampleof a mobile terminal, embodiments of the present invention are describedas follows. Yet, it is a matter of course that a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention can be embodiedinto one of the former mobile terminals 200, 300 and 400 shown in FIGS.2 to 4.

Status Change of Display

In the mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, the display unit 151 may enter various statuses. This isdescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams of states of a mobile terminal accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the display unit 151 may enter one of a firststatus (ON) that the display unit 151 is turned on in response to adisplay-on command, a second status (Dimming) that the display unit 151is dim, and a third status (OFF) that the display unit 151 is turned offin response to a display-off command.

Particularly, in response to the ON command, the controller 180 enablesthe display unit 151 to enter the first status by activating a fullregion of the display unit 151. While a status of the display unit 151is the first status, if a preset time t1 expires without a user input,the controller 180 may change the status of the display unit 151 intothe second status for the reduction of power use. While a status of thedisplay unit 151 is the second status, if a preset time t2 expireswithout a user input, the controller 180 may change the status of thedisplay unit 151 into the third status in order to further reduce thepower use.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, a display status may vary according to astatus of the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100.

Referring to FIG. 6(a), while the display unit 151 is in the firststatus, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display apreset video (or preset information) in a first brightness. Herein, thefirst brightness may include a brightness when a backlight of the mobileterminal 100 operates at a maximum brightness or a brightness close tothe maximum brightness. Yet, the first brightness may vary to correspondto ambient illumination intensity.

Referring to FIG. 6(b), while the display unit 151 is in the secondstatus, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaythe preset video (or the preset information) in a second brightness.Herein, the first brightness may include a dimming status. Namely, thesecond status may include a status that a backlight is turned offdespite that the video is displayed on the whole display unit 151.

Referring to FIG. 6(c), while the display unit 151 is in the thirdstatus, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to be turnedoff. Namely, in the third status, the display unit 151 can bedeactivated.

AoD (Always on Display) Mode

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 180can control the display unit 151 to activate a partial region of ascreen in Always-on-Display (hereinafter abbreviated AoD) mode despitethat a status of the display unit 151 is the third status and alsocontrol preset information to be displayed on the activated partialregion on the display unit 151. This is described in detail withreference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams to describe examples of anAlways-on-Display mode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if the controller180 detects a display-off (OFF) command in AoD mode, the controller 180may control the display unit 151 to activate a partial region of ascreen and deactivate the rest of the screen, in response to the OFFcommand. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to deactivate the full region of the screen if detecting a display-offcommand in normal mode.

Herein, the AoD mode means a mode for activating a partial region of thedisplay unit 151 in response to a display-off command. In other words,the AoD mode may mean a mode for selectively activating an activatedregion of the display unit 151 in response to the display-off command.In other words, the AoD mode may mean a mode for deactivating (or,reducing activation of) the rest of regions of the display unit 151except the activated region.

Since the partial region is activated only in the AoD mode, it is ableto minimize power consumption. If the partial region is activated onlyaccording to the AoD mode, since information required by a user cancontinue to be displayed on the display unit 151, it is advantageous inthat the user can always check the required information.

First of all, referring to FIG. 7(a), in response to a display-oncommand, if recognizing that the display unit 151 is in a first status(i.e., ON status), the controller 180 may activate a full region of thedisplay unit 151. And, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to display a user-set image (e.g., a lock screen image) on theactivated full region. Moreover, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display current time information (CI) on a partialregion of the activated full region.

Referring to FIG. 7(b), in response to a display-off command in AoDmode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate afirst region A of the display unit 151 and deactivate a second region Bof the display unit 151.

Namely, in the AoD mode, when the display-off mode is detected, as shownin FIG. 6(c), the full region of the display unit 151 is notdeactivated. Instead, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the partial region A isactivated only but the rest region B is deactivated.

Eventually, if recognizing that the display unit 151 operates in AoDmode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activatethe first region A in the screen and deactivate the second region B, inresponse to the OFF command. Yet, if recognizing that the display unit151 operates in normal mode, the controller 180 may control the displayunit 151 to deactivate the full region of the screen.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 toactivate the partial region A only despite expiration of a preset timeafter the second status described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay a current hour information (CI), an information corresponding toan event occurrence of a message and the like on the activated firstregion A. Namely, in the AoD mode, even if a display-off command isdetected, minimum information required by a user can be provided throughthe display unit 151. In particular, information such as a current hourand the like can be provided through the activated region A.

In the AoD mode, a status that the display unit 151 is turned off isdifferent from the second status described with reference to FIG. 5 andFIG. 6. In particular, the second status described with reference toFIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is a status that an overall backlight within a screenis deactivated. Yet, in the AoD mode, a status that the display unit 151is turned off means a status that a backlight is applied to the firstregion A.

In the AoD mode, a status that the display unit 151 is turned off isdifferent from the third status described with reference to FIG. 5 andFIG. 6. In particular, the status described with reference to FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 is a status that a full region of the display unit 151 isdeactivated. Yet, in the AoD mode, a status that the display unit 151 isturned off means a status that minimum information is displayed on apartial region, which is activated, of the display unit 151.

The activated region A may include a region A corresponding to alocation of a watch display region having a current hour information(CI) displayed thereon when the mobile terminal 100 is in the firststatus and/or the second status. Hence, while the display unit 151operates in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to activate the first region A only and also display the currenthour information (CI) on the first region A, in response to the OFFcommand. Therefore, it is able to provide a user with the current hourinformation without sense of difference.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8(a), current hour information may bedisplayed on an activated region A. Considering a fact that the mobileterminal 100 is frequently used to check a current hour, the currenthour information may be useful information for a user. Considering arelated art case that a user switches the third status, in which thedisplay unit 151 is turned off, to the first status by additionallymanipulating the mobile terminal 100, user's convenience and/or anefficient use of resources of the mobile terminal 100 is enhanced.Namely, it means that a user can check necessary information at any timewithout additional manipulation.

For instance, while the display unit 151 is in OFF status as well aswhile the mobile terminal 100 is in the first or second status, hourinformation and the like can be immediately confirmed through theactivated region A. By enabling the activated region A to operate only,power (or current) consumption of the mobile terminal 100 can beminimized despite displaying information.

Referring to FIG. 8(b), additional information (AF) may be displayed onthe activated region A. Herein, the additional information (AF) mayinclude information related to an occurring event such as a presence ornon-presence of a message reception, a presence or non-presence of amissed call, and the like.

The additional information (AF) may not change a display location of thehour information already displayed within the activated region A.Namely, it means that a location and/or size of the hour information maynot be changed due to the display of the additional information (AF).Hence, the hour information basically displayed within the activatedregion A can be continuously displayed at a specific location.

The present embodiment is non-limited by the above description. Forinstance, in AoD mode, the controller 180 may activate a light sourcecorresponding to a location of information to be displayed in responseto a display-off command and also deactivate the rest of the lightsource.

For instance, referring to FIG. 8(a), in AoD mode, the controller 180may activate an extremely small number of light sources for displaying‘5:00’ in response to a display-off command and also deactivate the restof the light sources.

The following description is related to a case that a partial region ofthe display unit is activated by deactivating the rest of the displayunit in response to a display-off command in AoD mode. Yet, according tothe embodiments in the following description, some of light sources maybe activated while the rest of the light sources are deactivated.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, if sensing a touch input to aprescribed activated region, the controller 180 may perform a jobaccording to the sensed touch input. Yet, if sensing a touch input tothe deactivated region, the controller 180 may ignore the sensed touchinput. Moreover, although a user touches the deactivated region, since acorresponding touch input is not sensed from the deactivated region, amobile terminal may not react at all.

Method of Providing Information of specific Application in AoD (Alwayson Display) Mode

According to one embodiment of the present invention, while the displayunit 151 operates in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display information of a specific application on aprescribed activated region of a screen of the display unit 151 inresponse to a display-off command. This is described in detail withreference to FIGS. 9 to 16.

The following description is made on the assumption that an AoD (Alwayson Display) mode is a mode for activating a first region of a screen inresponse to a display-off command while deactivating a second region ofthe screen. And, assume that a normal mode is a mode for deactivating afull region of the screen in response to a display-off command.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart to describe one example of a method of providinginformation of a specific application to an activated partial region inAlways-on-Display mode in a mobile terminal according to one embodimentof the present invention.

According to the present invention, the controller 180 may sense adisplay-off command [S110].

For instance, the controller 180 may recognize a touch input of touchinga screen of the display unit 151 a preset count of times as an OFFcommand for turning off the display unit 151.

For another instance, the controller 180 recognizes a movement of themobile terminal 100 through the sensing unit 140. If the recognizedmovement corresponds to a preset movement, the controller 180 canrecognize it as an OFF command for turning off the display unit 151.

For further instance, if sensing an input to a preset physical key, thecontroller 180 can recognize it as an OFF command for turning off thedisplay unit 151.

If sensing a display-off command [S110], the controller 180 mayrecognize whether the display unit 151 operates in AoD mode [S120].

If recognizing that the display unit 151 operates in the AoD mode [S120,YES], the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate apartial region of the display unit 151 and deactivate (or, lower anactivation level of) the rest region of the display unit 151.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if sensing a touchinput to the activated partial region, the controller 180 may perform afunction corresponding to the sensed touch input. Yet, if sensing atouch input to the deactivated rest region, the controller 180 mayignore the sensed touch input.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay information of a specific application on the activated partialregion. Herein, the specific application may include an application thatcan be launched in a status that the display unit 151 is turned off. Theinformation of the specific application may include at least firstinformation related to a function currently performed by the specificapplication or second information corresponding to a progress level ofthe function.

Eventually, in a state that the partial region on the screen isactivated in response to the display-off command, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display the information on the currentlyrun application on the activated partial region.

On the other hand, if recognizing that the display unit operates innormal mode instead of operating in the AoD mode [S120, NO], thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to deactivate a fullregion of the display unit 151 [S150].

FIGS. 10 to 16 are diagrams to describe examples of a method ofproviding information of a specific application through a display unitin Always-on-Display mode according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

While the display unit 151 operates in AoD mode, if the controller 180senses an OFF command for turning off the display unit, the controller180 may control the display unit 151 to activate a first region 511 of ascreen and deactivate a second region 512 of the screen.

The following description is made on the assumption that the displayunit 151 operates in AoD mode and that the first region 511 is activatedonly in response to the OFF command for turning off the display unit.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, in a status that the first region 511 andthe second region 512 are activated and deactivated, respectively, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display presetinformation within the activated first region 511. Herein, the presetinformation may include at least one of information of a specificapplication, current hour information, date information, calendarinformation, scheduling information and the like.

The controller 180 may change a size of the activated first region 511in accordance with a size of a region on which the preset informationwill be displayed.

For instance, if the size of the region for displaying the presetinformation 520 thereon corresponds to a first size, the controller 180can activate a region corresponding to the first size. Meanwhile, if thesize of the region for displaying the preset information 520 thereoncorresponds to a second size, the controller 180 can activate a regioncorresponding to the second size.

Namely, the controller 180 can adjust the size of the activated firstregion 511 and the size of the deactivated second region 512 accordingto the size of the region on which the preset information is displayed.

Herein, the activated first region 511 and the deactivated second region512 may have various shapes. Namely, the shape of the first region 511is changeable according to an information displayed location within thescreen.

Eventually, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 toactivate a region within the screen corresponding to the presetinformation displayed location.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 180may control the display unit 151 to display at least one of the currenthour information, the date information, the calendar information and thescheduling information among the preset information on the first partialregion 521 within the activated first region 511 [cf. FIGS. 10 to 16].

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display theinformation of the specific application on the activated first region511.

The following description relates to a case that displayed informationof a specific application is changed according to a function of thespecific application.

If the function is an alarm function, the first information and thesecond information may include information related to an alarm-setspecific time and information indicating a time remaining until thespecific time, respectively. Herein, the specific application mayinclude an alarm application, by which the present invention isnon-limited. And, the specific application may include anotherapplication containing an alarm function.

In particular, the controller 180 may obtain information on the specifictime, for which the alarm is set, from the alarm function. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the firstinformation and the second information using the information on thespecific time.

In more particular, referring to FIG. 10, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display first information indicating thealarm-set specific time on a second partial region 522 within theactivated first region 511. And, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a second information indicating a remainingtime until the alarm-set specific time from a current time on a thirdpartial region 523 within the activated first region 511. Moreover, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the secondinformation as a progress bar on a fourth partial region 524 within theactivated first region 511.

For instance, assuming that a current time and an alarm-set time are10:37 AM and 3 PM, respectively, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a first information indicating 3 PM on thesecond partial region 522. And, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a second information indicating 4 hours and23 minutes, which is a remaining time until 3 PM from the current time,on the third partial region 523. Moreover, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display a second information indicating4 hours and 23 minutes, which is a remaining time until 3 PM from thecurrent time, as a bar on the fourth partial region 543.

The second information may change according to a time flow. Forinstance, if the current time is changed into 11 o'clock, the secondinformation can be changed into 3 hours 23 minutes and a progress barcorresponding to the changed information can be outputted within thefirst region 511.

The third partial region 523 may include a region corresponding to thesecond information. And, the progress bar may be created using thesecond information.

Meanwhile, if the function is a wayfinding function, the firstinformation may include information related to a destination and thesecond information may include information indicating at least one of aremaining time to the destination from a current location and a timeconsumed from an origination to the current location. Herein, thespecific application may include an application capable of performingthe wayfinding function.

In particular, if the function is the wayfinding function, thecontroller 180 may recognize a current location by activating thelocation information module 115. And, the controller 180 may control thewireless communication unit 110 to transmit information on the currentlocation and information on the destination to an external serverrelated to the wayfinding function. And, the controller 180 may controlthe wireless communication unit 110 to receive information related to atime remaining to the destination, information related to a distanceremaining to the destination and the like from the external serverrelated to the wayfinding function. Moreover, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display the first information and thesecond information using the received information.

In more particular, referring to FIG. 11, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display first information indicating adestination on the second partial region 522 within the activated firstregion 511. And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay second information indicating a time remaining to thedestination from a current location on the third partial region 523within the first region 511. Moreover, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display second information indicating a timeconsumed from an origination to the current location and a timeremaining to the destination as a progress bar on the fourth partialregion 524 within the activated first region 511.

The third partial region 523 may be determined using a distance from theorigination to the destination and a distance from the origination tothe current location. Hence, if the current location is changed, thethird partial region 523 having the second information displayed thereonmay be changed.

A length of the progress bar displayed on the fourth partial region 524may be determined using a distance from the origination to thedestination and a distance from the origination to the current location.

A user checks at least one of the location of the second informationdisplayed on the third partial region 523 and the length of the progressbar displayed on the fourth partial region 524, thereby recognizing atime consumed to the current location (or a distance moved to thecurrent location) and a time (or distance) remaining to the destination.

Meanwhile, if the function is the wayfinding function, the controller180 may control the display unit 151 to display information related toan intermediate event within the first region 511.

In particular, the controller 180 may control the wireless communicationunit 110 to receive information related to an intermediate event fromthe external server related to the wayfinding function. Using thereceived information, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to display the information on the intermediate event on theactivated first region 511.

In more particular, referring to FIG. 12, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display information related to a transferstation for the destination on a fifth partial region 525 within thefirst region 511.

Herein, the fifth partial region 525 may be determined using a distancefrom an origination to an intermediate event occurring location and adistance from the intermediate event occurring location to thedestination.

And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display theinformation on the intermediate event as a progress bar on a sixthpartial region 526 within the activated first region 511.

For instance, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay a progress bar indicating information related to a distance (ortime) remaining to the transfer station from the current location on thesixth partial region 526.

And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displayinformation indicating a time remaining to a timing point, at which theintermediate event occurs, on the third partial region 523 instead ofthe second information.

For instance, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay the information indicating a remaining time from the currentlocation to the transfer station on the third partial region 523 insteadof the information indicating the time remaining to the destination fromthe current location.

Meanwhile, if the function is a function for providing informationrelated to a hiking, the first information may include informationrelated to a destination and the second information may includeinformation indicating a current altitude.

In particular, referring to FIG. 13, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display first information indicating a destinationon the second partial region 522 within the activated first region 511.And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaysecond information indicating current altitude information on the thirdpartial region 523 within the first region 511. Moreover, the controller180 may control the display unit 151 to display information indicating atime consumed from an origination to the current location and a timeremaining to the destination as a progress bar on the fourth partialregion 524 within the activated first region 511.

The third partial region 523 may be determined using a distance from theorigination to the destination and a distance from the origination tothe current location. Hence, if the current location is changed, thethird partial region 523 having the second information displayed thereonmay be changed.

A length of the progress bar displayed on the fourth partial region 524may be determined using a distance from the origination to thedestination and a distance from the origination to the current location.

A user checks at least one of the location of the displayed secondinformation and the length of the progress bar displayed on the fourthpartial region 524, thereby recognizing a time consumed to the currentlocation (or a distance moved to the current location) and a time (ordistance) remaining to the destination.

Meanwhile, if the function is a calorie consumption measurementfunction, the first information and the second information may includeinformation indicating target calorie consumption and informationindicating current calorie consumption, respectively.

In particular, referring to FIG. 14, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display first information indicating target calorieconsumption on the second partial region 522 within the activated firstregion 511. And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay second information indicating current calorie consumption on thethird partial region 523 within the first region 511. Moreover, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display informationindicating how much calories should be further consumed to the targetcalorie consumption as a progress bar on the fourth partial region 524within the activated first region 511.

The third partial region 523 may be determined using the target calorieconsumption and the current calorie consumption. Hence, if the currentcalorie consumption is changed, the third partial region 523 having thesecond information displayed thereon may be changed.

A length of the progress bar displayed on the fourth partial region 524may be determined using the target calorie consumption and the currentcalorie consumption.

A user checks at least one of the location of the displayed secondinformation and the length of the progress bar, thereby recognizingcalories remaining to the target calorie consumption.

Meanwhile, if the function is a music play function, the firstinformation and the second information may include information relatedto currently played content and information indicating a current playtime, respectively.

In particular, referring to FIG. 15, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a first information containing at least oneof a title of a currently played content, a total play time of thecurrently played content, and information related to a person related tothe currently played content on the second partial region 522 within theactivated first region 511. And, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display second information indicating a current playtime in a full play time on the third partial region 523 within thefirst region 511. Moreover, the controller 180 may control the displayunit 151 to display the second information indicating the current playtime in the full play time as a progress bar on the fourth partialregion 524 within the activated first region 511.

The third partial region 523 may be a region corresponding to thecurrent play time in the full play time. Hence, if the current play timeis changed according to a time flow, the third partial region 523 may bechanged.

A length of the progress bar displayed on the fourth partial region 524may be a length corresponding to the current play time in the full playtime.

Meanwhile, if the function is a schedule notification function, thefirst information and the second information may include informationindicating a schedule and information indicating a time remaining to atiming point at which the schedule occurs, respectively.

In particular, referring to FIG. 16, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a date of schedule saved to the memory 170,a time of the schedule, and a substance of the schedule on the secondpartial region 522 within the activated first region 511. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display informationindicating a time remaining to a timing point, at which the scheduleoccurs, on the third partial region 523 within the first region 511.Moreover, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaythe information indicating a time remaining to a timing point, at whichthe schedule occurs, as a progress bar on the fourth partial region 524within the activated first region (11%) 511.

The third partial region 523 may be a region corresponding to the timeremaining to the timing point at which the schedule occurs. Hence, ifthe remaining time is changed according to a time flow, the thirdpartial region 523 may be changed.

A length of the progress bar displayed on the fourth partial region 524may be created using the remaining time. Hence, if the remaining time ischanged according to the time flow, a length of the progress bar may bechanged.

Mobile Terminal Provided with Display Unit Including Main Screen andAuxiliary Screen

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay unit 151 may include a main screen and an auxiliary screen. Thisis described in detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams to describe examples that a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with adisplay unit including a main screen and an auxiliary screen.

According to the present invention, the display unit 151 may include amain screen and an auxiliary screen. The main screen may be disposed ona front part of the mobile terminal 100. The auxiliary screen 151-2 mayinclude a screen forming a curve by extending from at least one edge ofthe main screen 151-1.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit151 may include a single main screen and a single auxiliary screen.

For instance, referring to FIG. 17, the auxiliary screen 151-2 mayinclude a screen forming a curve by extending from a right (or left)edge of the main screen 151-1.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the displayunit 151 may include a single main screen and a plurality of auxiliaryscreens.

For instance, referring to FIG. 18, the display unit 151 may include asingle main screen 151-1, a first auxiliary screen 151-2 forming a curveby extending from a right edge of the main screen 151-1, and a secondauxiliary screen 151-3 forming a curve by extending from a left edge ofthe main screen 151-1.

For another instance, referring to FIG. 19, the display unit 151 mayinclude a single main screen 151-1, a first auxiliary screen 151-2forming a curve by extending from a right edge of the main screen 151-1,a second auxiliary screen 151-3 forming a curve by extending from a leftedge of the main screen 151-1, a third auxiliary screen 151-4 forming acurve by extending from a top edge of the main screen 151-1, and afourth auxiliary screen 151-5 forming a curve by extending from a bottomedge of the main screen 151-1.

Yet, the main screen, the number of the auxiliary screens and adisposition location of the auxiliary screen are non-limited by theabove description.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay unit 151 may include a main screen and at least one auxiliaryscreen.

Method of Applying AoD (Always on Display) Mode to Mobile TerminalHaving Display Unit Including Main Screen and Auxiliary Screen

According to one embodiment of the present invention, AoD (Always onDisplay) mode is applicable to a display unit including a main screenand an auxiliary screen. This is described in detail with reference toFIGS. 20 to 22.

FIGS. 20 to 22 are diagrams to describe examples of a method of applyingan Always-on-Display mode in that a mobile terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention is provided with a display unitincluding a main screen and an auxiliary screen.

First of all, for clarity, the following description is made on theassumption that the display unit 151 includes a single main screen 151-1and a single auxiliary screen 151-2.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in response to adisplay-off command in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to activate at least one partial region of the mainscreen 151-1 and the auxiliary screen 151-2 and deactivate the rest ofregions.

For instance, referring to FIG. 20, in response to a display-off commandin AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 toactivate a first region 610 of the main screen 151-1 and deactivate therest of regions except the first region 610. And, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to deactivate the auxiliary screen 151-2.In doing so, the preset information (e.g., information of a specificapplication) described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16 may be displayedon the activated first region 610.

For another instance, referring to FIG. 21, in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to activate a first region 610 of the main screen 151-1 and deactivatethe rest of regions of the main screen 151-1 except the first region610. And, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 toactivate a second region 620 of the auxiliary screen 151-2 anddeactivate the rest of regions of the auxiliary screen 151-2 except thesecond region 620. In doing so, the preset information (e.g.,information of a specific application) described with reference to FIGS.9 to 16 may be displayed on the activated first region 610 and thesecond region 620.

In more particular, specific information such as current timeinformation, current date information and the like may be displayed onthe first region 610 and information of a specific application may bedisplayed on the second region 620. The present invention is non-limitedby the above description. The information of the specific applicationmay be displayed on the first region 610 and the specific informationmay be displayed on the second region 620.

For further instance, referring to FIG. 22, in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to deactivate the main screen 151-1. And, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to activate a second region 620 of the auxiliaryscreen 151-2 and deactivate the rest of regions of the auxiliary screen151-2 except the second region 620. In doing so, the preset information(e.g., information of a specific application) described with referenceto FIGS. 9 to 16 may be displayed on the second region 620.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, whenthe display unit 151 includes a single main screen 151-1 and a pluralityof auxiliary screens, in response to a display-off command in AoD mode,the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate apartial region of at least one of the main screen 151-1 and a pluralityof the auxiliary screens and deactivate the rest of regions.

Method of Adjusting Brightness of Activated Partial Region of DisplayUnit According to Ambient Illumination Intensity in AoD (Always onDisplay) Mode

According to the present invention, in response to a display-off commandin AoD mode, the controller 180 can activate a partial region of thedisplay unit 151 and adjust brightness of the activated partial regionaccording to ambient illumination intensity. This is described in detailwith reference to FIG. 23.

FIG. 23 is a diagram to describe one example of a method of adjustingbrightness of a partial region of an activated display unit according toambient illumination intensity in Always-on-Display mode in a mobileterminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit140 may include an illumination sensor 142 configured to senseillumination intensity around the mobile terminal 100. The controller180 may recognize ambient illumination intensity, which is sensedthrough the sensing unit 140, of the mobile terminal 100.

While a partial region of the display unit 151 is activated in responseto a display-off command in AoD mode, the controller 180 may adjustbrightness of the activated partial region of the display unit accordingto ambient illumination intensity.

For instance, if the ambient illumination intensity is lower than apreset level, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the controller 180 can raise thebrightness of the activated partial region. For another instance, if theambient illumination intensity is equal to or higher than the presetlevel, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the controller 180 can lower thebrightness of the activated partial region.

The present invention is non-limited by the above description. Only ifthe ambient illumination intensity is equal to or higher than the presetlevel, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the controller 180 can lower thebrightness of the activated partial region. If the ambient illuminationintensity is lower than the preset level, as shown in FIG. 23(a), thecontroller 180 can raise the brightness of the activated partial region.

According to the present embodiment, it is advantageous in preventing acase that preset information displayed on an activated region in AoDmode may not be viewable depending on ambient illumination intensity.

Method of Displaying Preset Video on Activated Partial Region of DisplayUnit According to Impact Applied to Mobile Terminal in AoD (Always onDisplay) Mode

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 180may activate a partial region of the display unit in response to adisplay-off command in AoD mode and control the display unit 151 todisplay a preset video on the activated partial region according to animpact applied to the mobile terminal. This is described in detail withreference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25.

FIG. 24 is a diagram to describe one example of a method of displaying apreset video on a partial region of an activated display unit accordingto an impact applied to a mobile terminal in Always-on-Display mode inthe mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information on the activated partial region.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may further include an impact sensorconfigured to sense impact applied to the mobile terminal 100. Thecontroller 180 may recognize a level of the impact sensed through theimpact sensor.

Referring to FIG. 24, if recognizing that a level of the impactcorresponds to a preset level, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display a preset video 710 on the activated partialregion. In doing so, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display the preset video 710 on the activated partial region insteadof preset information previously displayed on the activated region. Thepresent invention is non-limited by the above description. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the presetvideo 710 on the activated partial region together with the presetinformation.

According to the present embodiment, a user can advantageously recognizethat impact has been applied to the mobile terminal.

FIG. 25 is a diagram to describe another example of a method ofdisplaying a preset video on a partial region of an activated displayunit according to an impact applied to a mobile terminal inAlways-on-Display mode in the mobile terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information on the activated region.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may further include an impact sensorconfigured to sense impact applied to the mobile terminal 100. Thecontroller 180 may recognize a level of the impact sensed through theimpact sensor. If recognizing that a level of the impact corresponds toa preset level, the controller 180 may recognize a region from which theimpact corresponding to the preset level is sensed and control thedisplay unit 151 to display a preset video on a region of the screencorresponding to the recognized region.

For instance, referring to FIG. 25(a), if recognizing an impactcorresponding to a preset level from a front left top 810 of the mobileterminal 100, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 todisplay the preset video 710 on a region of the screen of the mobileterminal corresponding to the recognized region. In doing so, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate a region fordisplaying the preset video 710 within the screen and deactivate therest of regions.

For another instance, referring to FIG. 25(b), if recognizing an impactcorresponding to a preset level from a front right bottom 820 of themobile terminal 100, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display the preset video 710 on a region of the screen of the mobileterminal corresponding to the recognized region. In doing so, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate a region fordisplaying the preset video 710 within the screen and deactivate therest of regions.

Method of Displaying Running Screen of Application Corresponding toPreset Event on Activated Partial Region of Display Unit According toPreset Event in AoD (Always on Display) Mode

FIG. 26 is a flowchart to describe one example that a running screen ofa specific application is displayed on an activated region according toa set event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminal according toone embodiment of the present invention.

According to the present invention, the controller 180 may sense adisplay-off command [S210].

For instance, the controller 180 may recognize a touch input of touchinga screen of the display unit 151 a preset count of times as an OFFcommand for turning off the display unit 151.

For another instance, the controller 180 recognizes a movement of themobile terminal 100 through the sensing unit 140. If the recognizedmovement corresponds to a preset movement, the controller 180 canrecognize it as an OFF command for turning off the display unit 151.

For further instance, if sensing an input to a preset physical key, thecontroller 180 can recognize it as an OFF command for turning off thedisplay unit 151.

If sensing a display-off command [S2110], the controller 180 mayrecognize whether the display unit 151 operates in AoD mode [S220].

If recognizing that the display unit 151 operates in the AoD mode [S220,YES], the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate apartial region of the display unit 151 and deactivate (or, lower anactivation level of) the rest region of the display unit 151. In doingso, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaypreset information on the activated partial region [S230].

Herein, the preset information may include at least one of informationof a specific application, current time information, date information,calendar information, schedule information and the like.

Yet, the controller 180 may change an activated region according to apreset event [S240]. Herein, the preset event may include an event setby a user or an event stored in advance by a manufacturer in the mobileterminal 100

Particularly, the controller 180 may recognize a third region, on whichthe preset information and the running screen will be displayed withinthe screen according to the preset event, and control the display unit151 to activate the recognized third region within the screen.

The controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display thepreset information and the running screen of an applicationcorresponding to the preset event on the third region that is thechanged activated region [S250].

For instance, if the preset event is a message reception event, therunning screen of the application corresponding to the preset event mayinclude a running screen of a message application. Herein, the runningscreen of the message application may include information on thereceived message.

For another instance, if the preset event is a specific content playevent, the running screen of the application corresponding to the presetevent may include a running screen of a specific content playapplication. Herein, the running screen of the specific content playapplication may include information on the currently played content andat least one indicator for performing a specific function.

For further instance, if the preset event is a way guiding event, therunning screen of the application corresponding to the preset event mayinclude a running screen of a way guiding application.

On the other hand, if recognizing that the display unit operates innormal mode instead of operating in the AoD mode [S220, NO], thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to deactivate a fullregion of the display unit 151 [S260].

According to the present embodiment, if a preset event occurs, althoughthe display unit 151 is in OFF status, the controller 180 can controlthe display unit 151 to display a running screen of an applicationcorresponding to the preset event. Hence, a user can advantageously andquickly check the running screen corresponding to the preset eventwithout turning on the display unit 151.

FIG. 27 is a diagram to describe one example that a running screen of aspecific application is displayed on an activated region according to apreset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminal according toone embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information on the activated region.

For instance, referring to FIG. 27(a), while a first region 910 of thedisplay unit 151 is activated in response to a display-off command inAoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaypreset information 1010 on the activated first region 910. In doing so,a second region 920 that is the region other than the first regionwithin a screen may be in deactivated status. The present invention isnon-limited by the above description. For instance, an activated levelof the second region 920 may be low.

The preset information 1010 may include at least one of information of aspecific application, current time information, date information,calendar information, schedule information and the like.

For instance, when the display unit 151 operates in AoD mode, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the currenttime information and the date information on the activated first region910 in response to a display-off command.

Referring to FIG. 27(b), the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to display a running screen 1020 of an application corresponding toa preset event according to an occurrence of the preset event.

In particular, the controller 180 may recognize a third region 930 onwhich the preset information 1010 and the running screen 1020 will bedisplayed within the screen according to the preset event. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate the thirdregion 930 within the screen and deactivate a fourth region 940 withinthe screen except the third region 930. Moreover, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display the preset information 1010 andthe running screen 1020 on the activated third region 930.

In more particular, the third region 930 may include a sixth regionincluding the first region 910, on which the preset information 1010 wasdisplayed, and a seventh region other than the sixth region. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the runningscreen 1020 on the sixth region and also display the preset information1010 on the seventh region.

Namely, the controller 180 changes an activated region within the screenaccording to the preset event and controls the display unit 151 todisplay the preset information and a running screen of an applicationcorresponding to the preset event on the changed activated region.

The running screen 1020 of the application may include a screenindicating detailed information of the occurring preset event or arunning screen of an application corresponding to the occurring presetevent.

Meanwhile, if the preset event is a message reception event, the runningscreen of the application corresponding to the preset event may includea running screen of a message application. And, the running screen ofthe message application may contain information on the received message.

Particularly, if the preset event is the message reception event, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display a runningscreen 1020 of a message application containing at least one ofinformation related to a sender of the received message, informationrelated to a received time of the received message and informationrelated to a substance of the received message.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display an indicator 1030 indicating an eventoccurrence according to the preset event. In this case, the controller180 may change the activated region and the deactivated region 940 inconsideration of a region for displaying the indicator 1030.

According to the present embodiment, if a preset event occurs, even ifthe display unit 151 is in OFF status, the controller 180 can display arunning screen of an application corresponding to the preset event onthe display unit 151. Therefore, a user can advantageously and quicklycheck the running screen corresponding to the preset event withoutturning on the display unit 151.

FIG. 28 is a diagram to describe another example that a running screenof a specific application is displayed on an activated region accordingto a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information related to the activated region.

For instance, referring to FIG. 28(a), while a first region 910 of thedisplay unit 151 is activated in response to a display-off command inAoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to displaypreset information 1010 on the activated first region 910. In doing so,a second region 920 that is the region other than the first regionwithin a screen may be in deactivated status. Yet, the present inventionis non-limited by the above description. For instance, an activatedlevel of the second region 920 may be low.

Herein, the preset information 1010 may include at least one ofinformation of a specific application, current time information, dateinformation, calendar information, schedule information and the like.

Referring to FIG. 28(b), the controller 180 may change an activatedregion within the screen according to an occurrence of a preset eventand control the display unit 151 to display the preset information and arunning screen of an application corresponding to the preset event onthe changed activated region.

In particular, the controller 180 may recognize a third region 930 onwhich the preset information 1010 and the running screen 1020 will bedisplayed within the screen according to the preset event. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate the thirdregion 930 within the screen and deactivate a fourth region 940 withinthe screen except the third region 930. Moreover, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display the preset information 1010 andthe running screen 1020 on the activated third region 930.

In more particular, the third region 930 may include the first regionand a fifth region other than the first region. And, the controller 180may control the display unit 151 to display the preset information 1010on the first region. And, the controller 180 may control the displayunit 151 to display the running screen 1020 on the fifth region.

Meanwhile, if the preset event is a message reception event, the runningscreen of the application corresponding to the preset event may includetransceived messages. And, the running screen may include an indicator1110 performing a message composing and sending function.

In response to an input for selecting the indicator 1110, the controller180 may launch the message composing and sending function.

In particular, referring to FIG. 28(c), the controller 180 may controlthe display unit 151 to display a running screen of the messageapplication on a full region 940 in response to the input for selectingthe indicator 1110 shown in FIG. 28(b). And, the controller 180 maycontrol the display unit 151 to display a virtual keyboard for a messageinput on a prescribed region on the running screen.

For instance, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 toactivate the full region 940 overall and display the running screen ofthe message application on the activated full region 940. Yet, althougha display-off command is sensed, since the full region of the displayunit 151 is activated, it may cause a problem that a battery is consumedfast.

For another instance, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to activate partial regions 951 to 955 within the full region 940only and deactivate the rest of regions.

In particular, in response to the input for selecting the indicator 1110shown in FIG. 28(b), the controller 180 may display the respectivetransceived messages on the running screen [FIG. 28(c)]. In this case,the controller 180 may control the display unit 151 to activate theregion 951 for displaying information indicating counterparts of thecurrently transceived messages, the regions 952 to 954 for displayingthe respective transceived messages and the region 955 for displayingthe virtual keyboard and deactivate the rest of the regions except theregions 951 to 955. In this case, it is able to solve the aforesaidproblem of the fast battery consumption.

Meanwhile, in case of sensing a SEND command after inputting a text to amessage to be sent through the virtual keyboard, the controller 180 maycontrol the wireless communication unit 110 to send a message containingthe in putted text.

According to the present embodiment, if a preset event occurs, a usercan advantageously take an action corresponding to the preset eventwithout turning on the display unit 151.

FIG. 29 is a diagram to describe further example that a running screenof a specific application is displayed on an activated region accordingto a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobile terminalaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information on the activated region.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thecontroller changes a region activated with a screen according to apreset event and controls the display unit 151 to display the presetinformation and a running screen of an application corresponding to thepreset event. The following description is made on the assumption thatthe preset event is a specific content play event.

Referring to FIG. 29, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to activate a third region 930 on which the running screen 1040 ofthe specific content play application and the preset information 1010will be displayed according to a specific content play event. And, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display the runningscreen 1040 and the preset information 1010 on the activated thirdregion 930.

Herein, the running screen 1040 may include information on the currentlyplayed content and at least one or more indicators 1210, 1220, 1230 and1240 for performing specific functions.

The information on the currently played content may include informationrelated to a play time of the content and detailed information of thecurrently played content.

For instance, if the currently played content is music, the informationon the currently played content may include at least one of informationrelated to a play time of the music, information related to a title ofthe music, information related to a singer of the music, and informationon lyrics of the music.

Meanwhile, in response to an input for selecting a specific one of theat least one or more indicators 1210, 1220, 1230 and 1240, thecontroller 180 may control the currently played specific content.

For instance, in response to a touch input to the first indicator 1210for performing a function of changing a play timing point among the atleast one or more indicators, the controller 180 can change a playtiming point. For instance, in response to a touch command of touching apoint corresponding to a specific play timing point within the firstindicator 1210 on which the information on the current play timing pointis displayed, the controller 180 can change a play timing point of thecurrently played content into the specific play timing pointcorresponding to the point.

For another instance, in response to a touch input to the secondindicator 1220 for performing a function of enabling a play timing pointof the currently played content to move ahead by a preset time (e.g., 5seconds) among the at least one or more indicators, the controller 180can change the play timing point to move ahead by the preset time.

For further instance, in response to a touch input to the thirdindicator 1230 for performing a function of pausing the currently playedcontent t among the at least one or more indicators, the controller 180can pause the currently played content.

For another further instance, in response to a touch input to the fourthindicator 1240 for performing a function of enabling a play timing pointof the currently played content to move behind by a preset time (e.g., 5seconds) among the at least one or more indicators, the controller 180can change the play timing point to move behind by the preset time.

FIG. 30 is a diagram to describe another further example that a runningscreen of a specific application is displayed on an activated regionaccording to a preset event in Always-on-Display mode in a mobileterminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a partialregion of the display unit 151 is activated in response to a display-offcommand in AoD mode, the controller 180 may control the display unit 151to display preset information on the activated region.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thecontroller changes a region activated with a screen according to apreset event and controls the display unit 151 to display the presetinformation and a running screen of an application corresponding to thepreset event. The following description is made on the assumption thatthe preset event is an event for performing a way guiding function.

Referring to FIG. 30, the controller 180 may control the display unit151 to activate a third region 930 on which the running screen 1050 ofthe application for performing the way guiding function and the presetinformation 1010 will be displayed according to an event for performingthe way guiding function. And, the controller 180 may control thedisplay unit 151 to display the running screen 1050 and the presetinformation 1010 on the activated third region 930.

Herein, the running screen 1050 may include a screen on whichinformation is changed by real time according to the way guidingfunction.

For instance, if recognizing that it should take a right turn 100 mahead in order to arrive at a destination from a current location, thecontroller 180 may control the display unit 151 to display informationindicating to make a right turn 100 m ahead on the activated thirdregion 930. If recognizing that it should go straight to arrive at thedestination after making the right turn 100 m ahead, the controller 180may change the displayed information into information indicating to gostraight.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention,while a display unit is operating in AoD (Always-on-Display) mode, sinceinformation of a specific application is displayed on a partial regionactivated in response to a display-off command, a user canadvantageously obtain information desired by the user without turning onthe display unit. Moreover, while a display unit is operating inAlways-on-Display mode, brightness of a partial region activated inresponse to a display-off command can be advantageously changedaccording to ambient illumination intensity.

Various embodiments may be implemented using a machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor toperform various methods presented herein. Examples of possiblemachine-readable mediums include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid StateDisk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage device, the other types of storagemediums presented herein, and combinations thereof. If desired, themachine-readable medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave(for example, a transmission over the Internet). The processor mayinclude the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to beconsidered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings canbe readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. Thisdescription is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scopeof the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods,and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described hereinmay be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternativeexemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be considered broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds, are therefore intended to be embraced by the appendedclaims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method forcontrolling the same. Therefore, the present invention has industrialapplicability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a displaycomprising at least one screen; and a controller configured to: detect asignal to turn off the display, in response to the signal, control thedisplay to activate a first region of the at least one screen anddeactivate a second region of the at least one screen, and in responseto the signal, control the display to display information related to acurrently running application on the activated first region togetherwith current time and date information, wherein the currently runningapplication is operable in a status in which the display is turned off,wherein the displayed information comprises first information related toa function performed by the currently running application and secondinformation related to progress of the function; and wherein the secondinformation is generated from the first information based on at leastone of the current time or location information.
 2. The mobile terminalof claim 1, further comprising a sensing unit configured to senseambient illumination of the mobile terminal, wherein the controller isfurther configured to control the display to adjust brightness of theactivated first region according to the sensed ambient illumination. 3.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to control the display to display the second information as aprogress bar.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising asensing unit configured to sense an impact, wherein the controller isfurther configured to control the display to display video when thesensed impact corresponds to a preset level.
 5. The mobile terminal ofclaim 4, wherein the controller is further configured to: recognize aregion on which the sensed impact corresponding to the preset leveloccurs; and control the display to display the video on a region withina screen corresponding to the recognized region.
 6. The mobile terminalof claim 1, wherein the display comprises a first screen and a secondscreen, and wherein the controller is further configured to: activate apartial region of the first screen or second screen; and control thedisplay to display the information on the activated partial region. 7.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the function is an alarmfunction; the first information indicates time for which an alarm isset; and the second information indicates a portion of the timeremaining.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the function is awayfinding function; the first information indicates a destination; andthe second information indicates remaining time to the destination froma current location or time consumed from an origination location to thecurrent location.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: thefunction is a healthcare function; the first information indicatestarget exercise amount; and the second information indicates currentexercise amount.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: thefunction is a music function; the first information indicates currentlyplayed content; and the second information indicates a current portionof a full play time of the content.
 11. A method of controlling adisplay of a mobile terminal, the display comprising at least onescreen, the method comprising: detecting a signal to turn off thedisplay; in response to the signal, activating a first region of the atleast one screen and deactivating a second region of the at least onescreen; and in response to the signal, displaying information related toa currently running application on the activated first region togetherwith current time and date information, wherein the currently runningapplication is operable in a status in which the display is turned off,wherein the displayed information comprises first information related toa function performed by the currently running application and secondinformation related to progress of the function, and wherein the secondinformation is generated from the first information based on at leastone of the current time or location information.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising: sensing illumination of a mobile terminal; andadjusting brightness of the activated first region according to thesensed ambient illumination.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising displaying the second information as a progress bar.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising: sensing an impact; anddisplaying video when the sensed impact corresponds to a preset level.15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: recognizing a region onwhich the sensed impact corresponding to the preset level occurs; anddisplaying the video on a region within a screen corresponding to therecognized region.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the displaycomprises a first screen and a second screen, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: activating a partial region of the first screen orsecond screen; and displaying the information on the activated partialregion.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein: the function is an alarmfunction; the first information indicates time for which an alarm isset; and the second information indicates a portion of the timeremaining.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein: the function is awayfinding function; the first information indicates a destination; andthe second information indicates remaining time to the destination froma current location or time consumed from an origination location to thecurrent location.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein: the function is ahealthcare function; the first information indicates target exerciseamount; and the second information indicates current exercise amount.20. The method of claim 11, wherein: the function is a music function;the first information indicates currently played content; and the secondinformation indicates a current portion of a full play time of thecontent.